2019-12-20 05:20:54
Travel The Missouri National Recreational River a unit of the National Park Service preserves two stretches of the Missouri River. It is a meandering, living river, forming much of the border between South Dakota and Nebraska; it is also part of nation’s Wild and Scenic River system. Congress added the 59-mile reach between Gavins Point Dam and Ponca State Park in 1978 and the 39-mile reach, which includes the lower 20 miles of Niobrara River and the lower eight miles of Verdigre creek, between Ft. Randall Dam and Running Water in 1991. In the 59 mile-reach the “Big Muddy” is vast, spectacular and unique, flowing fast past chalk bluffs, as high as 100 feet. The river valley is as wide as two miles in some laces, a testament to the twists and turns the river has taken over the last several thousand years. The presence of islands, bars, and chutes attest to the river’s dynamic character. The river in the 39-mile reach is thick with groves of willow and cotton wood trees growing on the banks and numerous islands and sandbars. Limestone bluffs tower above the untamed river. The main channel twists and turns in gnarled braids from one shore to the other and the river flows more slowly. Native Cottonwood forests, tall and mixed grass prairies remnants and the river and tributaries themselves provide habitat for a myriad of species including several endangered and threatened species. Missouri National Recreational River provides limitless opportunities to pursue outdoor activities within one of America’s great historic settings, provides opportunities to pursue outdoor activities within one of America’s great historic settings. The National Park has something for every visitor, boating, fishing, canoeing, camping, bird-watching, hunting, and visiting historic sites. National Park Service seasonal rangers are stationed by Yankton’s Meridian Bridge with the Mobile Ranger Station, Monday thru Thursday during the summer months The National Park Service headquarters office is located in Yankton, South Dakota 508 East 2nd St. 57078 For more information call (605)665-0209 ext. 28 or contact dugan_smith@nps.gov
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